United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has arrived in Cabo Verde for the Ocean Race Summit where he will also observe some of the solutions being considered to help protect the 10-island archipelago off the coast of Africa.
Addressing journalists, Guterres said, Cabo Verde “is on the frontlines of the existential crisis generated by climate disruptions” as it has “faced a severe drought” as well as sea level rise and loss of biodiversity and ecosystems which “present an existential threat to this and many other archipelagos.”
He said that he was “profoundly frustrated by the fact that world leaders are not taking the necessary action and making the investments needed to face this life and death-emergency.
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He said: “We need justice for those who – like Cabo Verde – have practically done nothing to provoke this crisis, but who are paying a very high price. Cabo Verde had demonstrated climate leadership with words and deeds.”
In the past five years, Cabo Verde is reported to have held an ‘Ocean Week’ every year and on this coming Monday, the country will partner with the Ocean Race to hold a summit that will feature speakers from all over the world, including the Secretary-General.
Cabo Verde is hosting leg one of the Ocean Race and Guterres has visited the 11 boats participating.
The Secretary-General lauded the “example of Cabo Verde” against a backdrop of, “many political leaders not paying attention to the central issues that threaten humanity.”
He said: “To be able to show the example of Cabo Verde, is for me extremely important and gratifying.” In the last few years, Cabo Verde fishermen have noted a drop in the capture of black mackerel, one of the most popular fish among the locals. In 2022, the packaging industry reported a reduction in the capture of tuna and the absence of black mackerel, raw material for the industry.
Story was adapted from Africa news.
